Each state has different requirements for forming a corporation. Whether you are starting a business or incorporating a business already in existence, you’ll want to understand state requirements for Texas incorporation.

Cost to incorporate in Texas

At BizFilings, we clearly outline our fees and the state fees to form a Texas corporation. View our pricing to incorporate as a C corporation or S corporation to plainly see:

  • BizFilings’ package prices. BizFilings offers three incorporation service packages from which you can choose.
  • State fee for standardturn-around. Our pricing clearly shows the state fee to incorporate in Texas with standard turn-around.
  • Expedited turn-around. You will see the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for expedited turn-around.
  • 24-hour turn-around. Texas has a 24-hour filing option, which is outlined in our pricing.
  • Certified copy. Our pricing also clearly displays the BizFilings and state fee, if any, for issuing a Certified Copy of the Certificate of Formation.
Incorporate in Texas


Texas Corporate Name

The name must contain either the word or an abbreviation of "Corporation," "Incorporated," "Company" or "Limited." Symbols cannot be used in the name. Names submitted with superscript letters or numbers or subscript letters or numbers will not appear in that format in the official company name. (For example, H 2 0 would appear as H20.) The name may not contain the word "Lottery." The name must not imply a purpose other than that stated in the Certificate of Formation. It may not be the same as or deceptively similar to the name of any domestic or foreign corporation or reserved or registered name. However, a name already in use may be used if the corporation gets written consent from the user filed with the Secretary of State. Use of words tied to education (such as but not limited to "College," "School" and "Seminary") cannot be used without approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Use of words such as "Bank," "Trust" and those implying ties to Veterans ("Veterans," "War," etc.) also require additional approvals prior to use.

Director information

The following are Texas’s requirements for directors of corporations:

  • Minimum number. Corporations must have one or more directors.
  • Residence requirements. Texas does not have a provision specifying where directors must reside.
  • Age requirements. Texas does not have age requirements.
  • Inclusion in the Certificate of Formation. Director names and addresses are required to be listed in the Certificate of Formation.

Requirements for the Certificate of Formation

The document required to form a corporation in Texas is called the Certificate of Formation. The information required in the formation document varies by state. The Texas requirements include:

  • Officers. Officer names and addresses are not required to be listed in the Certificate of Formation.
  • Stock. Authorized shares and par value must be listed in the Certificate of Formation. An increase in the number of shares or par value does not affect initial filing fees.
  • Registered agent. Corporations must list the name and address of a registered agent with a physical address (no post office boxes) in Texas. The registered agent must be available during normal business hours to accept important legal and tax documents for the business.
Registered Agent Services


Professional services businesses

Texas allows professionals, such as accountants, attorneys and physicians, to form a professional corporation (PC).

After forming a corporation, you must undertake certain steps on an ongoing basis to keep your business in compliance. These steps are also important in preserving the limited liability a corporation provides its owners. This guide outlines the ongoing requirements for Texas corporations.

Texas corporate records

Texas corporations must keep the following items with their corporate records at the principal office:

  • Books and records of accounts
  • Minutes of director and shareholder meetings
  • A list of both current and past shareholders, including names and mailing addresses outlining the number and class of shares held by each
  • A stock transfer ledger detailing the original issuance of shares and each transfer thereafter

Texas corporate taxes and fees

The following are taxation requirements and ongoing fees for Texas corporations:

  • Annual report and franchise tax. For taxable entities with a beginning date of October 4, 2009, or later, both the first annual report and payment of the tax due, if any, are due no later than May 15 of the year following the year the entity became subject to the tax (i.e., the beginning date). On an annual basis going forward, the franchise tax report must be filed and the tax paid no later than May 15 of each year. Entities filed prior to October 4, 2009, may wish to discuss taxes and fees with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Office.
  • Taxes. For complete details on state taxes for Texas corporations, visit Business Owner's Toolkit or the State of Texas .
  • Federal tax identification number (EIN). An EIN is required for corporations that will have employees. Additionally, most banks require an EIN in order to open a business bank account.
  • State tax identification number. Texas does not require a state tax identification number.

Texas business licenses

Business licenses and/or permits are required for most businesses. The BizFilings Business License Application Package can help you stay on top of these requirements.

S corporation election

Texas recognizes the federal S corporation election and does not require a state-level S corporation election.

Additional Texas information

View the following additional resources BizFilings has for forming and maintaining companies in Texas:

Continue your research
Explore BizFilings' services
Select to view detailed information on Incorporation Requirements, or LLC Requirements, by State
Alabama
Incorporation
LLC
Alaska
Incorporation
LLC
Arizona
Incorporation
LLC
Arkansas
Incorporation
LLC
California
Incorporation
LLC
Colorado
Incorporation
LLC
Connecticut
Incorporation
LLC
Delaware
Incorporation
LLC
District of Columbia
Incorporation
LLC
Florida
Incorporation
LLC
Georgia
Incorporation
LLC
Hawaii
Incorporation
LLC
Idaho
Incorporation
LLC
Illinois
Incorporation
LLC
Indiana
Incorporation
LLC
Iowa
Incorporation
LLC
Kansas
Incorporation
LLC
Kentucky
Incorporation
LLC
Louisiana
Incorporation
LLC
Maine
Incorporation
LLC
Maryland
Incorporation
LLC
Massachusetts
Incorporation
LLC
Michigan
Incorporation
LLC
Minnesota
Incorporation
LLC
Mississippi
Incorporation
LLC
Missouri
Incorporation
LLC
Montana
Incorporation
LLC
Nebraska
Incorporation
LLC
Nevada
Incorporation
LLC
New Hampshire
Incorporation
LLC
New Jersey
Incorporation
LLC
New Mexico
Incorporation
LLC
New York
Incorporation
LLC
North Carolina
Incorporation
LLC
North Dakota
Incorporation
LLC
Ohio
Incorporation
LLC
Oklahoma
Incorporation
LLC
Oregon
Incorporation
LLC
Pennsylvania
Incorporation
LLC
Rhode Island
Incorporation
LLC
South Carolina
Incorporation
LLC
South Dakota
Incorporation
LLC
Tennessee
Incorporation
LLC
Texas
Incorporation
LLC
Utah
Incorporation
LLC
Vermont
Incorporation
LLC
Virginia
Incorporation
LLC
Washington
Incorporation
LLC
West Virginia
Incorporation
LLC
Wisconsin
Incorporation
LLC
Wyoming
Incorporation
LLC
Back To Top